Riverworld Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1 of 2

In the first episode of Riverworld, titled "Part 1 of 2", we are introduced to our protagonist, Matt Ellman, a former war journalist played by actor Tahmoh Penikett. Matt wakes up on the banks of a seemingly neverending river, disoriented and confused. He soon discovers that he is not alone, as he comes across a diverse group of people from different eras and cultures, all of whom share his confusion and lack of knowledge about their current situation.

As Matt begins to explore his surroundings, he discovers that this river is not like any other he's ever seen. It stretches on endlessly in both directions, and no one knows where it starts or where it ends. Furthermore, every person who has ever lived on Earth seems to be present on this river, from ancient societies to modern times. Matt is amazed and bewildered by what he sees, but he quickly realizes that he may not be able to trust everyone he encounters.

As the episode progresses, we see Matt trying to navigate this strange new world while also searching for his girlfriend, Jessie, who he believes is somewhere on the river. Along the way, he meets a handful of other characters who become his companions in this journey. There's Sir Richard Burton, the famous explorer from the Victorian era played by Mark Deklin, and Tomoe Gozen, a legendary female samurai from 12th century Japan played by actress Jeananne Goossen. There's also a seemingly omnipotent figure named "The Caretaker," played by Alan Cumming, who seems to be pulling the strings on this river and knows more about what's going on than anyone else.

Despite the beauty and marvel of this new world, there are also dangers lurking in the shadows. Matt and his companions are threatened by marauders who roam the river, pillaging and killing. They must also navigate treacherous waterfalls and rapids, putting their lives in danger with each passing moment.

As the episode comes to a close, Matt and his group come across a mysterious structure that seems to hold some answers to their questions. But before they can investigate further, they are ambushed by the marauders and have to fight for their lives. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us on the edge of our seats as we wait to see what happens next.

Overall, Riverworld's first episode is a thrilling and captivating start to the series. The concept of an endless river filled with every person who has ever lived is fascinating, and the show does an excellent job of establishing its world and characters in a compelling manner. The performances are strong across the board, with Tahmoh Penikett anchoring the show with his charismatic portrayal of Matt Ellman. The action scenes are well-staged and suspenseful, and the episode manages to balance excitement with emotional depth. Fans of sci-fi and adventure tales will definitely find much to enjoy here.